Author: Henry Lawson

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    I gaze upon my son once more,
    With eyes and heart that tire,
    As solemnly he stands before
    The screen drawn round the fire;
    With hands behind clasped hand in hand,
    Now loosely and now fast,
    Just as his fathers used to stand
    For generations past.

    A fair and slight and childish form,
    And big brown thoughtful eyes,
    God help him! for a life of storm
    And stress before him lies:
    A wanderer and a gipsy wild,
    Ive learnt the world and know,
    For I was such another child,
    Ah, many years ago!

    But in those dreamy eyes of him
    There is no hint of doubt,
    I wish that you could tell me, Jim,
    The things you dream about.
    Dream on, my son, that all is true
    And things not what they seem,
    Twill be a bitter day for you
    When wakened from your dream.

    You are a child of field and flood,
    But with the gipsy strains
    A strong Norwegian sailors blood
    Is running through your veins.
    Be true, and slander never stings,
    Be straight, and all may frown,
    Youll have the strength to grapple things
    That dragged your father down.

    These lines I write with bitter tears
    And failing heart and hand,
    But you will read in after years,
    And you will understand:
    Youll hear the slander of the crowd,
    Theyll whisper tales of shame,
    But days will come when youll be proud
    To bear your fathers name.

    But oh! beware of bitterness
    When you are wronged, my lad,
    I wish I had the faith in men
    And women that I had!
    Tis better far (for I have felt
    The sadness in my song)
    To trust all men and still be wronged
    Than to trust none and wrong.

    Be generous and still do good
    And banish while you live
    The spectre of ingratitude
    That haunts the ones who give.
    But if the crisis comes at length
    That your future might be marred,
    Strike hard, my son, with all your strength!
    For your own selfs sake, strike hard!

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Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a heartfelt letter from a father to his son, offering advice and wisdom for the journey of life that lies ahead. The themes of legacy, generational wisdom, and the challenges of growing up are tightly interwoven throughout the piece, painting a poignant image of the bond between parent and child. The tone is solemn and slightly melancholy, colored with a sense of longing and introspection.

The poem is structured in even stanzas, each one developing a different aspect of the father's message. The use of rhymed couplets gives the poem a rhythmic flow and amplifies the emotional resonance of the words. The poet skillfully employs imagery to create vivid snapshots of the past, present, and potential future. For instance, the "screen drawn round the fire" suggests a familial tradition passed down through generations.

The speaker uses an array of literary devices, including personification and metaphor, to deepen the emotional texture of the poem. The "life of storm / And stress" that lies before the son, for example, is a metaphor for the inevitable hardships of life. The child is also referred to as "a child of field and flood," which speaks to the boy's strong, innate connection to the natural world, a hint at his Norwegian sailor heritage.

Ultimately, the poem is a poignant exploration of parental love and the passing of wisdom across generations. It encourages the son to hold onto his dreams, to be true and generous, but also to stand firm in the face of adversity. It's a message of resilience, hope, and the enduring bond of family, beautifully encapsulated in this heartfelt poetic letter.